PLASA Focus Leeds Returns with a Top Seminar Schedule for 2017

PLASA Focus Leeds is back with a stellar line-up of seminar sessions and speakers for this year's event on May 9 - 10 at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. The free-to-attend exhibition is a leading platform for the entertainment industry, offering an opportunity to discover the very latest technology including products from recent international launches.

Speakers this year include James Simpson, lighting visualizer at the Royal Opera House, who will be discussing the latest technologies in use at the Royal Opera House, with a look at how some recent projects have been technically achieved. Simpson will also be talking for the first time about an exciting new R&D project being developed at the ROH which uses augmented reality technology to create new opportunities for design teams to visualize their ideas -- the talk will include a live demonstration.

The future of audio technology is also high on the agenda; d&b audiotechnik's Oran Burns will be exploring this topic in a session titled "What's Next for Pro Audio." LSi audio journalist Phil Ward will host a panel session to discuss "Is Point Source Fighting Back?" an exploration of the varied applications of point source over line array.

The hugely popular Riggers' Forum will return to Leeds, led once again by Harry Box and Chris Higgs, known for their thought-provoking seminars and lively presenting style. Their presentation "Knot a Rigger" will discuss where the responsibility of rigging lies within a production.

UK Rigging's, Box says: "Rigging doesn't just happen by magic on the day, it takes planning and coordination by capable and trained people. Chris and I will be discussing the need to ensure someone on site is made responsible for the rigging in production, and suggest ways to equip those responsible to do the work safely."

This year it's not just about technology, with sessions focused on providing practical advice to businesses. The Association of British Theatre Technicians will host "Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment," discussing recent changes to technical standards and safe working practices in theatre. PLASA's own Rosie Geyman, who heads up the organization's marketing division, will host a "Social Media Masterclass" where she will share some tips on how to use the latest social marketing tools with techniques to grow your business and achieve results on small budgets.

"Our seminar program has always been about providing visitors with knowledge and skills they wouldn't normally have access to," says Geyman, head of marketing and communications at PLASA. "We know that a big part of our audience is small business owners, so providing very practical sessions which can inspire and offer real benefits to these businesses is very important to us. I am delighted to be taking part in the program."

Also running over the two days is hands-on product training with some leading manufacturers. Ambersphere Solutions will be running regular 90-minute practical demonstrations of the new MA Lighting dot2 lighting console and ChamSys will be running their popular training program for MagicQ, MagicVis Visualization, and MagicHD Media Player.

PLASA Focus Leeds is free to attend and will return to The Royal Armouries Museum from May 9 - 10, 2017.

To find out more and to register please visit the URL below.